Central Europe Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Central Europe tour packages
- What people love about Central Europe Tours
- Travel Central Europe your way
- Best tour companies for Central Europe tours
- Discover Central Europe tours for every budget
- Central Europe tours for every type of group
- Top Central Europe travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Central Europe
- Contact our Central Europe travel experts
- What our customers ask about Central Europe Tours & Trips
The best Central Europe tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral Europe travel expert at TourRadar
Best of Central Europe
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Both the places we visited and the guide were amazing - there was no shortcomings throughout the entire trip.”
Madeleine, traveled in April
From Vienna's Hofburg Palace to Prague's Jewish Quarter, this route showcases Central Europe's finest landmarks. The UNESCO-listed Cesky Krumlov castle, Slovakia's Tatra Mountains, and Krakow's medieval Rynek Glowny square await. Accommodations include Vienna's Magdas Hotel, a social enterprise supporting refugees.
Duration 15 days Destinations Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,905
30% Off- NZ$4,133You save $1,772
Best of Central Europe Tour
29 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We loved the hotel in Paris. It was a small hotel with a great breakfast.”
Cathy, traveled in May
Fifteen days across 6 countries feature stays in Berlin's Park Inn Alexanderplatz and Budapest's Novotel Centrum. UNESCO sites including Auschwitz and Prague's Jewish Quarter tell powerful stories. Habsburg palaces in Vienna, medieval Krakow, and traditional Polish dinner options create memorable moments.
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary Age Range 6 to 90 year olds Operator Eskapas From $4,914
3% Off- NZ$4,767You save $147
Central Europe unfolds from Prague's Charles Bridge to Budapest's Szechenyi Baths. A 13th-century castle stay at Hotel Grand Viglas, UNESCO-listed Banska Stiavnica, and pierogi making in Krakow create lasting memories. The route covers 6 cities across 5 countries for approx. $390 per day.
Duration 12 days Destinations Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Premium From
3% Off- NZ$7,690
Berlin to Budapest
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Absolutely loved the tour and our guide Levi. We packed so much into 7 days, never had to stress about getting to the next city and hotel.”
Scott, traveled in May
Five iconic cities across four countries unfold, from Berlin's TV Tower to Prague's Jewish Quarter. Seven nights in central hotels and hostels include brewery visits and a 4km Bastei hike. Highlights feature Czech pilsner tasting and visits to Budapest's Parliament Building.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,625
20% Off- NZ$2,100You save $525
Balkan Extended - Budapest to Dubrovnik
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The history of the Yugoslavian countries was extremely knowledgeable.”
Glenda, traveled in July
The 15-day Central European adventure winds from Budapest's Chain Bridge area, through Serbia's Novi Sad and Slovenia's Lake Bled, to Dubrovnik. Wine tastings at Zvonko Bogdan Winery and UNESCO sites like Plitvive Lakes highlight the journey. Premium hotels include Leonardo Boutique Budapest and Royal Inn Belgrade.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia Age Range 12 to 85 year olds Operator Balkan and more From $8,758
23% Off- NZ$6,744You save $2,014
What people love about Central Europe Tours
- Best of Central Europe Tour
Oh it was incredible! Everything went so smoothly with no hiccups at all. We loved the hotel in Paris . It was a small hotel with a great breakfast. We also appreciated being close to metro. Our guide Anne was best of all. There are no words to adequately describe her contributions. Till the next time… Debby
Tao out tour guide & driver was excellent, very helpful and friendly; and extremely knowledgeable i the history of the Yugoslavian countries
Balkan Extended - Budapest to Dubrovnik
I didn't really know where I wanted to travel. I told the online agent that I was interested in going to Europe, but not on a rushed Contiki-style tour of seeing "all of Europe in 20 days"- I wanted to spend a good amount of time to properly see the cities I was visiting. She suggested looking into the itinerary for "The best of Eastern Europe" and I instantly loved it! She had heard very positive reviews, so I was in; I didn't even have to think twice. Ever since I discovered Tour Radar last year, I've been booking all my travels with them- the agents are very helpful!! This tour was absolutely spectacular- you gain such a sense of appreciation for these countries and their immense beauty. Every day was so exciting, as Europe has such a majestic feel. The accommodation and breakfasts in each hotel were awesome! Our tour leader Adina was very welcoming and very knowledgable. She grew up in East Berlin, so it was very fitting to see her personal side of things while exploring all the history in these countries. I am 110% very pleased to have experienced this incredible trip!!
The Best of Eastern Europe
Travel Central Europe your way
Sail through Central Europe's heart on a river cruise, gazing at grand castles, medieval towns, and verdant hills. Enjoy wine tastings in Rhine Valley, explore Vienna's splendid palaces, or relax in Budapest's thermal baths.
See all River Cruise toursCentral Europe is an absolute must for hiking enthusiasts. Head to Slovenia and explore the iconic Lake Bled and Triglav National Park, visit the gorgeous city of Dubrovnik (“King’s Landing”) in Croatia, or hike in Poland’s Tatra Mountains for lush forests, rugged peaks, and serene ponds.
Our Central European routes mix city exploration with real cultural connections. A favorite among our travelers takes you from Berlin's artistic quarters through Prague's medieval streets and onto Krakow's historic lanes. What works really well here is how we balance guided tours with independent discovery - many guests tell us they love exploring Berlin's nightlife and Prague's famous clock tower at their own pace. We've also got a route linking Budapest's thermal spas with Belgrade's hilltop fortress; it gives you structured touring plus plenty of time to soak in local life. The guides know exactly when to show you around and when to step back, so you might end up finding a quiet café in Bratislava or sharing stories with locals at a Viennese wine bar. Our travelers, especially those who enjoy meeting people but don't want rigid schedules, tell us this approach really hits the mark.
Cycling along the Danube is a great active way to experience riverside life in Central Europe. Our bike tours start from either Vienna or Prague, following well-marked paths that connect big cities and small riverside communities. Our travelers really enjoy pedaling past UNESCO-listed vineyards and making stops at historical spots like Melk Abbey. The routes stick mainly to flat dedicated cycle paths, so most people with basic fitness can handle them comfortably. We keep hearing good things about our guides - they're safety-conscious but keep the atmosphere fun. Many cyclists tell us they love finishing their days at local spas, especially in Budapest where those thermal baths work wonders after a long ride.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Central Europe tours
Looking at customer feedback across these major tour operators, Intrepid's guides consistently get top marks - they know their stuff, keep things running smoothly and really connect with travelers on a personal level. The accommodation situation is a bit mixed though, with some travelers noting smaller rooms than expected and basic amenities at certain stops.Trafalgar has built quite a following thanks to tour directors like Judith Lee, who our customers say adds real depth to each destination with local insights and handles all the daily logistics without a hitch. The itineraries are well thought out too, hitting key spots while leaving room to actually experience each place.G Adventures works well for travelers who want a more intimate group setting - you'll typically travel with just a handful of others, which makes it easy to bond and gives you flexibility to branch out on your own when you want. We've heard from several customers though that the accommodations could use an upgrade, and some felt the daily planning could be tighter.This feedback comes directly from our travelers who've actually taken these tours over the past year, giving us a clear picture of what each company does well and where they could improve. The insights help us match people with the right tour style - whether they prioritize expert guides, structured itineraries or small-group dynamics.
View Central Europe operators
Discover Central Europe tours for every budget
Want to see Central Europe without breaking the bank? Our most popular budget routes run 7-10 days, connecting places like Munich or Budapest with stops in Prague, Vienna and also Bratislava. We kick things off with local orientation walks so you can get your bearings before heading out solo. You'll stay in simple but clean European hotels - they're usually a bit outside the city centers but the public transport connections are solid. Our travelers like how the optional activities work - you can keep costs down by exploring independently or join extra experiences like evening Danube cruises, which most people say are worth the extra euros.Our premium Central European tours give discerning travelers the perfect mix of insider access and cultural depth. Operating with intimate groups of 12-16 people, these carefully planned journeys weave together Vienna's finest concert halls, hidden wine cellars, and distinctive accommodations near the cultural core of each destination. Guests frequently tell us they appreciate how the itineraries balance guided experiences - like private pierogi workshops in Krakow and walks through Budapest's historic Castle Quarter - with plenty of independent exploration time. The journeys feature evening cruises on the Danube, visits to thermal baths, and also performances in Vienna's majestic concert venues. The small group format opens doors to family-run wineries around Mikulov and local restaurants that larger tours simply can't access. Our expert guides consistently earn recognition for creating unexpected cultural moments, from chance encounters at village celebrations to exclusive tastings in Subotica's Art Nouveau cafés. These distinctive tours put special emphasis on refined dining, moving between elegant restaurants, authentic wine taverns, cooking classes, and also traditional market visits.
Central Europe budget tours82 tours
Starting from
$86
per day
- Central Europe luxury tours
230 tours
Starting from
$106
per day
Central Europe tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
2,314 tours in Central EuropeOur regular group tours give you a nice mix of planned activities and free time over 7-14 days, traveling with about 25-40 people from around the world. Popular routes link Berlin to Budapest through Prague, Vienna, Krakow and also Bratislava. You get guided visits to major sites like Prague Castle and Budapest's thermal baths, plus plenty of free afternoons to do your own thing. The mid-range hotels are picked for their good transport links and nearby restaurants. The group dinners are always fun - people love swapping stories about what they discovered that day.
Small Group
538 tours in Central EuropeIf you prefer keeping things cozy, our small group trips cap at 12-16 people and dig deeper into local life. You might make pierogies with locals in Krakow, visit family wineries near Mikulov or hike the trails of Slovakia's Tatra Mountains. These usually run about two weeks, giving you time to really know each place. The smaller numbers mean we can book charming boutique hotels and eat at local spots that bigger groups can't fit into. Our guides can be more flexible too - they'll often make unexpected stops at local festivals or markets they spot along the way.
Private / Personalized
670 tours in Central EuropeEnjoy the exclusivity of our private Central Europe tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace
Top Central Europe travel itineraries to fit your plans
Don't miss out on visiting:
Prague, Munich
The 7-day Central European tours really connect you with the region's soul. Our most-booked route takes you from Budapest to Berlin, giving you that perfect balance of guided walks and time to wander on your own. There's real depth here - you'll explore Krakow's Jewish Quarter, learn authentic pierogi-making with locals and visit important historical sites like Auschwitz. For active travelers, we've got a great Danube cycling route from Vienna through Slovakia and also Budapest. The guides are fantastic at showing you those hidden spots - like local cafes and thermal baths that tourists often miss - while making sure you're comfortable on the cycling paths between castle districts.
See all tours
When you've got 10 days, our top-selling routes link Munich with the grand capitals of Central Europe. You'll get proper guided visits to Prague Castle, Budapest's Parliament, Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, plus time in charming smaller cities like Regensburg and also Salzburg. The evenings are particularly special - you might find yourself in a traditional Munich beer hall, at a Viennese classical concert or floating down the Danube for dinner in Budapest. With 2-3 nights in each major city, you'll start with orientation walks then have plenty of time to discover local markets, cafes and also neighborhood spots. Our travelers often tell us they love choosing between included activities and optional outings.
Demographics
Our solo tours through Central Europe work really well with small groups of 10-16 travelers, which makes it easy to meet new friends along the way. You'll get a nice mix of group activities and personal time - join in for guided city walks and local beer halls, then branch off to explore using our guides' insider transport tips. Prague, Budapest and Krakow are particularly good picks for solo travel since they're safe cities with lots going on after dark. Our travelers tell us they love having someone sort out the train connections between places while keeping the freedom to discover things at their own pace.The riverside routes connecting Vienna, Budapest and Prague are consistently top picks for couples. You get a perfect blend of romantic moments like classical concerts in Vienna's old halls and evening cruises on the Danube, plus practical perks such as central hotels and flexible meal arrangements. Many pairs tell us they appreciate having the key details sorted while keeping their evenings open for private dinners and walks together. The journey includes lovely stops in quieter spots like Cesky Krumlov and Bratislava where you can step away from the busy cities, and also includes shared experiences at castles and wineries.Young travelers tend to go for our active Central Europe tours that combine culture with outdoor experiences. The routes include hiking up in Slovakia's Tatra Mountains, taking on the rapids of Dunajec River and cycling the Danube bike paths. There's plenty of social time built in - you'll share dinners in Prague's beer halls, learn to cook Polish dishes in Krakow and check out Budapest's unique ruin bars. Our younger guests like having an expert handle the planning while leaving them free to discover local nightlife and cool spots. The balance of planned activities and free time lets them shape their own experience.Our senior travelers usually pick the comfort-focused tours covering Central Europe's highlights at an easier pace. We include hotels right in the city centers, gentle orientation walks and cultural experiences like music venues in Vienna and thermal baths in Budapest. The schedule leaves good gaps between activities, and our guides know exactly which restaurants and sites work best for different mobility needs. The older travelers in our groups really value having someone manage the train connections while still keeping their independence to explore as they like. They particularly enjoy our small groups and the chance to learn local history and culture from guides who know their stuff.Central Europe stands out for families who want cultural experiences while keeping their options open. Our family travelers gravitate toward tours that pair Budapest's architectural grandeur with hands-on moments, like joining local bakers for coffee and cake at Vienna's Vollpension café. The train journey through the Alps, crossing at 1,300 meters, gives children an unforgettable view with mountains surrounding them on every side. Parents value how the schedules balance guided activities with open afternoons, leaving time to wander Salzburg's fortress, take boats out on Lake Bled, or discover family-friendly spots serving local specialties like traditional Bled cake. In Venice, families bond during orientation walks past the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and naturally, several gelato shops. With 2-3 nights in each place, the pace suits families perfectly - you're not constantly repacking bags, and everyone has time to fall into the natural rhythm of each destination.
- Solo Travelers2,258 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples1,270 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)121 tours
- Seniors (50+)1,195 tours
Best time to visit Central Europe
- Summer 2025
Summer routes connect the major cities - Budapest, Prague, Vienna and also Berlin. Many include active elements like hikes in Slovakia's Tatra Mountains or visits to traditional villages such as Holloko in Hungary. With long summer days, our travelers make good use of the built-in free time, often heading to Budapest's outdoor thermal pools or catching evening performances in Vienna's classical venues. The Krakow cooking workshops are a real favorite - you'll learn authentic pierogi techniques while getting to know local cooks. Tours typically run 10-14 days, giving you time to properly experience each location without rushing.
- 943 tours
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- popular 1,491 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall tours focus on cultural experiences and local traditions. Routes often align with wine harvests in Austria's Rust region and Serbia's Sremski Karlovci area. Our guests particularly value autumn walks in Prague's Jewish Quarter and Budapest's Castle District when smaller crowds make it easier to take in the historical sites. Many itineraries stop at craft workshops in places like Holloko village where you can try traditional clothing and taste local dishes. The paths around Banska Stiavnica in Slovakia show off beautiful fall colors, and our guides know the perfect spots to view this UNESCO mining town's architecture.
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- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours through Central Europe show you a different perspective of these grand capitals, with Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and Budapest's Parliament building shining under fresh snow. Travelers on our Vienna to Belgrade routes enjoy warming up in Budapest's thermal baths, after exploring the unique ruin bars scattered across the city. Our customers particularly value winter itineraries focused on cultural immersion - you'll find yourself cooking traditional dishes in Hungarian homes, sipping wines in centuries-old cellars near Sremski Karlovci or enjoying classical performances in Vienna's notable concert halls. Prague and Bratislava feel more intimate in winter, with peaceful castle districts and old towns free from summer crowds. The small group size of 16 people lets you discover cozy cafes and traditional wine taverns that larger tours simply can't fit into, while several routes include stops in lesser-known gems like Subotica, Rust and also other towns where Art Nouveau buildings and local wine culture offer perfect winter diversions from metropolitan life.
- popular 585 tours
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- Spring 2026
Spring tours through Central Europe hit their stride in May when temperatures and weather are just right. Kicking off in Berlin, popular routes head to Dresden's reconstructed center before reaching Prague. That train journey through the Labe Valley is worth getting a window seat for - our travelers often mention it as a highlight. Bastei's sandstone formations offer excellent hiking trails right when the wildflowers start popping up. Many tours include stops at Prague's historic breweries and walking routes through Bratislava's Old Town, where those peculiar street statues look especially good in the early morning light. Our guests really appreciate having free afternoons to explore local cafe culture as outdoor seating areas open for spring.
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Contact our Central Europe travel experts
Isabeau
Expert in Central Europe at TourRadar
Isabeau is one of our seasoned Central Europe Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Central Europe tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Central Europe Tours & Trips
What Kind of Local Food Can You Try in Central Europe?
You'll find amazing food all across Central Europe with each country putting its own spin on traditional dishes. Hungary's definitely known for goulash - it's this really hearty beef stew that'll warm you right up and you've got to try lángos which is this incredible fried bread topped with sour cream and cheese. The best places to find these are in Budapest's markets and local restaurants. Over in the Czech Republic you'll love their pierogi - these are like dumplings stuffed with meat cheese or potatoes and don't miss trdelník a sweet pastry that's roasted right in front of you in Prague's Old Town Square. Poland's got their own version of pierogi too plus amazing kielbasa sausages - try these at Krakow's milk bars and basement restaurants they're really authentic. Austria's famous for Wiener Schnitzel and if you've got a sweet tooth the Sachertorte is incredible especially at Vienna's traditional cafes. There's this really special place called Vollpension in Vienna where older locals work making coffee and cakes it's such a unique experience.
How Do You Get Around Central Europe?
Getting around Central Europe's actually pretty straightforward. The train system's really efficient connecting major cities like Prague Vienna and Budapest - you'll love the scenic route from Berlin to Budapest through the Labe Valley. Buses are great if you're watching your budget especially for smaller towns. Big cities have metro systems and trams that make it super easy to explore. You can rent a car if you want more freedom but honestly parking in old city centers can be a bit tricky. Our tours use a mix of trains metros and buses which works really well for seeing everything comfortably.
What Local Cultural Experiences Can You Join In?
There's so many ways to dive into Central European culture! In Hungary you can catch these amazing folklore shows with traditional costumes and music right in Budapest. Czech Republic's all about the beer culture - you'll get to taste authentic Pilsner right where it all started in Prague's historic pubs. Want to get hands-on? Try making pierogi in Poland during a cooking class in Krakow it's such fun. Slovakia's got these incredible craft demonstrations - pottery weaving you name it especially in villages like Holloko. And Vienna's coffee culture is something else - you'll want to spend hours in their gorgeous cafes trying different cakes and coffees.
Where Are The Hidden Gems That Tourists Often Miss?
Let me tell you about some amazing places most tourists don't know about. Olomouc east of Prague has this incredible UNESCO site the Holy Trinity Column but without the crowds. Then there's Banska Stiavnica in Slovakia - it's got this fascinating medieval mining history and UNESCO status. Regensburg in Germany's absolutely beautiful with its medieval center and Gothic cathedral hardly anyone knows about. And if you're up for some adventure the Dunajec River Gorge in Slovakia offers incredible rafting through some of the most beautiful scenery you'll see.